As I’ve been walking the dog in my neighbourhood over the past month I’ve noticed some really healthy looking lawns. The grass is generally greener and more lush than I’ve seen in a few years (don’t look at mine though!). A nice lawn doesn’t happen by accident. It takes some time and hard work. I’m going to suggest three important things to consider when caring for your lawn.

First, if you’re just planting grass for the first time it’s important to have good seed. Did you know that grass seed can typically lose up to 10% of it’s germination power per year when stored in your garage? If you have seed that has been stored in a cool, dry place then you might be good to go. If, on the other hand, you have old or contaminated seed then it’s best to start with fresh seed from your local hardware store.

Second, get rid of the competition. If your grass is competing for nutrients and moisture with weeds like dandelions, white clover, crabgrass, and oxalis (just to name a few) then it’s a good idea to deal with these unwelcome competitors. You have a couple of options as to how to do that. I’ve pulled some by the root (if there are not a lot of them) and I’ve also used the appropriate herbicide if there are too many.

Third, give your grass a regular diet of water and fertilizer. Nitrogen is critically important in the production of proteins which gives plants the energy to grow. Have you been to a desert lately? Not much grows there because the soil is sandy and thin in nutrition and the moisture is scarce. When your lawn has plenty of both, the grass is so thick that many of the weeds don’t even have a chance to compete.

The principals of lawn care are very similar to what we need to pay attention to in our Christian lives. We need to receive and store up the good seed in our hearts. “Every Scripture has been written by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. It will empower you by its instructions and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Starting with the good seed, the unchanging Word of God is critical.

Anything that is contrary to the Word of God or competes with our spiritual growth should be eliminated either by removing it from our lives or by putting it in its proper place. Psalm 119:37 says, “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” Our Creator deserves first place in our lives.

Finally, nothing grows without regular water and food. It’s interesting that as you look at the lawns around town you don’t really need to ask someone if they fertilize and water. The evidence is right in front of you. Their lawn is healthy and lush. In the same way, you don’t really need to ask someone if they are receiving nourishment from God’s Word and encouragement from Christian fellowship. You can see it in their lives! Even if their circumstances are less than ideal they are hopeful, kind, joyful, and always willing to give you a smile.

God bless you this week as you practice the good habits of spiritual lawn care.